Lavender is never just Lavender.

With different species, sub-species and chemotypes, it pays to know a little about the Latin names and countries of origin to make sure you purchase the one that’s right for your use.  Chemotypes are plants from the same botanical species whose chemical composition varies from the average to due environmental growing conditions.

This means that your Lavender essential oil from France, grown in high altitude conditions, will be different to  a Lavender essential oil from Spain grown in lower altitudes.  They would have a completely different chemical composition.  You’d, therefore,  use them for different purposes and they’d have different therapeutic effects, safety guidelines, recommended doses and methods of application.

Lavender, lavandula angustifolia is often called “pure” or “true”  lavender, and is usually known to be a bit “sweeter” and more floral.   Loaded with esters, it is very safe and is considered the grandmother of all essential oils as “she” embodies feminine strength and wisdom.  True Lavender species grow at high altitudes (above 600 metres) on dry, limey soil.  It is further subdivided into other sub-species lavandula delphinensis and lavandula fragrans.  Lavandula angustifolia Miller is a lavender grown in France and is the only one recognised by the French Pharmacopoeia.  THIS is the fool proof, fail safe oil useful for almost anything and the one you need to make sure you’re buying if it’s for general use (baring in mind the contraindications below).  This one is safe in the bath, for use with children (following safety guidelines), on your skin etc etc

Spike Lavender, usually called lavandula spica or lavandula latifolia or “Spanish lavender”, has more camphor in it, so it is more herbal than floral.  It has the most fierce and piercing of qualities, very aggressive in its action and considered quite masculine.  These species grow at lower altitudes and are easier and cheaper to cultivate, giving higher yields of oil.  The main country of cultivation is Spain.  This oil should be used with more caution and with knowledge of it’s specific uses and doses.

Lavendin, called lavandula intermedia or lavandula hybrida is the hybrid between True Lavender and Spike lavender and for this reason is sometimes called “Bastard Lavender”. It is a more hardy plant, and has a stronger, more solid scent.  It is easier to grow at lower altitudes (400-600 metres) , yielding almost twice as much as True Lavender.  It is particularly good in soap and candle making because of its “sticking” power and is preferred by the perfume industry (the flowers are used for for sachets, potpourri and craft work). Its chemical composition helps to maintain its scent over time.  Similar to true lavender, but more penetrating & has stronger rubefacient (warming through stimulating circulation of blood) qualities.  This oil should also be used with more caution and with knowledge of it’s specific uses and doses.

Contra-indications:

True Lavender, Lavender Spike and Lavendin are all very effective muscular, circulatory and respiratory tonics as well as antiseptic and antiviral, however they also have some profound differences.  Crucially, Lavender (true) and Lavender Spike are safer to use on the skin – Lavendin is less so and should be used with more caution.  However, lets take a closer look at each in turn.

True Lavender – avoid with low blood pressure and patch test on very dry, flaky skin (psoriasis)

Spike – Avoid during pregnancy and on burns.  Large amounts may over activate the Central Nervous System, which could result in palpitations

Lavandin – Avoid on burns and generally use with caution

See also: Manuka, Kanuka and Tea Tree Essential Oils, Know your Eucalyptus: Radiata, Lemon & Blue Gum

Sources:  Essential Chemistry for Aromatherapy by Sue Clarke BSc PhD, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy by Salvatore Battaglia